Transportable tower crane for rapid erection

ABSTRACT

A transportable tower crane for rapid erection comprising a lower frame, an upper rotating frame carrying a mast comprising one or several parts and a foldable jib. A ballast is secured on a frame which is pivoted on the rotatable frame of the crane about a vertical axis but which can be immobilized in the rotational direction relatively to this rotating frame. Coupling means are fixed or may be fixed on the lower frame and are so arranged that it can be pivotally connected to a tractor vehicle about a vertical axis coincident with the vertical pivotal axis of the ballast-carrying frame. This arrangement enables transportation of the crane without dismantling the ballast, which rests about the platform of the tractor vehicle. When curves are negotiated during transportation the assembly pivots around the aforesaid pivotal axis.

1; lte States Patent [15] 3mm 9 Pingon Feb. 8, 11972 [54] TRANSPORTABLE TOWER CRANE 3,536,218 10/ 1970 Guinot ..2l2/49 FOR RAPID ERECTION Prima Examiner-Harve C. Hornsb [72] Inventor: Pierre Joseph Pmgon, 7 Avenue du Par- 2; gtnomison y melan, 74 Annecy, France [22] Filed: Jan. 11, 1971 [57] ABSTRACT [2]] Appl. No: 105,350 A transportable tower crane for rapid erection comprising a lower frame, an upper rotating frame carrying a mast comprising one or several parts and a foldable jib. A ballast is secured [30] Fomlgn Apphcamn Pnomy Dam on a frame which is pivoted on the rotatable frame of the Jan. 14, 1970 France ..7001162 crane about a vertical axis but which can be immobilized in the rotational direction relatively to this rotating frame. U-S. Coupling means are fixed or may be fixed on the lower frame [5]] lint. Cl. ..B66c 23/72 and are so arranged that it can be pivotally connected to a [58] Fleld of Search ..2l2/46, 46 A, 46 B, 48, 49, tractor vehicle about a vertical axis coincident i h veni 212/145 59 cal pivotal axis of the ballast-carrying frame. This arrangernent enables transportation of the crane without dismantling [56] References cued the ballast, which rests about the platform of the tractor vehi- UNITED STATES PATENTS cle. When curves are negotiated during transportation the assembly pivots around the aforesaid pivotal axis. 3,361,268 1/1968 Pingon 3,362,544 1/1968 Wellnitz ..212/49 10 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures PATENTED FEB 8 1972 TRANSPORTABLE TOWER CRANE FOR RAPID ERECTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to transportable tower cranes.

Transportable tower cranes are known which comprise a lower frame, the angular position of which is stationary when the crane is working and which is associated with supporting or stabilizing elements; an upper frame which can rotate on this stationary frame, generally through the intermediary of a slewing ring; a tower or a mast comprising one or several elements which can be collapsed on to the rotatable upper frame for the purpose of transportation; and a jib connected to this mast.

It is also known to combine such transportable cranes with elements enabling the crane to be rapidly or instantaneously erected on the building site, and the advantages resulting from rapid erection and dismantling of this kind are now well known.

However, although efficient means have been proposed for such erection and dismantling of the crane, this is not the case as regards its transportation, which generally calls for a tractor or supporting vehicle of a special kind; nor have means been proposed for transportation of the ballast which usually has to be divided up and then reassembled on the building site. The latter operation results in a loss of time which throws doubt upon the value of such a crane or which at least prevents the advantages of such a crane being fully exploited.

One object of the invention is to provide a solution to this problem.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a transportable tower crane for rapid erection and of the above-mentioned kind, which comprises a lower stationary frame associated with supporting or stabilizing elements; an upper rotating frame; a mast made of one or more parts which can be collapsed on to this rotating frame and a foldable jib, the arrangement being such that these various elements are horizontally positioned for transportation, characterized in that there is provided a ballast secured to a frame which pivots on the rotating frame of the crane about a vertical axis but which can be angularly immobilized relatively to this rotating frame, there also being provided a beam or equivalent coupling means which is fixed or may be fixed on the stationary frame and is so disposed that it can be pivotally connected to a tractor vehicle about a vertical axis coincident with the vertical pivotal axis of the ballast-carrying frame on the rotating frame of the crane.

The ballast-carrying frame may be of any shape that pennits the above'mentioned pivotal movement and immobilization. A possible arrangement consists in using a ballast-carrying frame of triangular form and one or more tie rods which enable it to be immobilized in the rotational direction during operation of the crane. Advantageously, the coupling beam may also be of triangular form.

Another object of the invention is to provide, for transportation purposes, at least one axle-tree which can be fitted below the collapsed parts of the crane, particularly of the mast, and members connected to the stationary frame of the crane to enable it to be lifted from the ground so as to enable the rear portion of the collapsed crane to be raised. An arrangement of this kind enables this rear portion of the crane and particularly the ballast to be raised so as to position the platform or deck of a tractor vehicle, which may be of conven tional type, below the ballast so that the ballast rests on said platform for the purpose of transportation.

The lifting members connected to the fixed frame can be, for example, the jacks usually provided at the ends of the stabilizing arms associated with the stationary frame of the crane and normally used to ensure stability, or they may be one or more jacks specially provided for this purpose on the stationary frame, or they may be constituted by the erecting system itself adapted to suit this purpose.

LII

The invention will now be described in more detail by reference to the attached drawing, illustrating a nonlimiting example.

FIG. I is a schematic side view of a tower crane in accordance with the invention and in the position for transportation.

FIG. 2 is a schematic partial plan view.

In the drawing, the numeral I designates the normal stationary lower frame of the crane which here is of square form and at the corners of which are pivoted stabilizing arms 2 which hold the crane in position when it is operating. In FIG. 2 these arms are shown in solid lines in the position for transportation and in broken lines in the operating position. The fixed frame 1 carries a slewing ring 3 which in turn supports the upper rotating frame 4 on which is pivoted the lower element 5 of the crane-mast which comprises an upper element 6. In the position for transportation, the jib 7 is collapsed on to the folded elements of the mast.

In accordance with the invention, the ballast 8 of the mast is secured on a frame 9, which, in the embodiment illustrated is of triangular form providing an apex and is pivoted at 10 on the rotating frame 4 through its apex about a vertical axis indicated by the numeral Ill. During operation of the crane, the ballast-carrying frame 9 is immobilized relatively to the rotating frame 4 and coaxially therewith, by means of a tie rod I2.

The stationary frame 1 carries a beam 13 which, in the embodiment illustrated, is of triangular form having an apex and is so located and dimensioned that it can be attached at 14 through its apex to a tractor vehicle generally indicated by the reference numeral 15. The attachment point 14 is located on the vertical axis 11 and can be seen in FIG. 1.

In the position for transportation, an axle-tree, shown schematically at 16 in FIG. I, is fixed below the folded mast of the crane at a suitable distance which may range from 7 to 12 meters depending on the type of crane.

To transport the crane, after the mast and jib have been collapsed and folded, and to fix the axle-tree 15 in position, the procedure is as follows:

The folded assembly is raised by its rear portion. This lifting movement can be achieved for example by means of the jacks shown schematically at 17 in FIG. 2 and normally provided at the ends of the arms 2 for the purpose of stabilizing the crane when it is operating; alternatively the lifting movement can be achieved by means of a central jack provided below the fixed frame and illustrated schematically at 18 in FIG. I, or by using the system for erecting the crane, in which case several different arrangements are possible.

When the rear portion of the crane and the counterweight or ballast are raised, the platform 19 of the tractor vehicle 15 is brought below the counterweight and the shaft 13 is attached at the point 14 to the tractor vehicle by lowering the counterweight 8 in such manner that it alone rests upon the platform 19. The tie rod 12 is then removed so that the assembly is ready to be transported.

In this situation, the ballast is supported by the tractor vehicle as is a portion of the weight of the crane through the intermediary of the pivot arrangement 10, and the assembly is pulled by the vehicle through the attachment hook and the beam 13.

It will be noted that in this condition and as shown in the drawing, the pivot points 10 and I4 are located along the same vertical axis 11 so that when bends in the road are being negotiated, the assembly pivots around its vertical axis, the ballast 8 resting on the platform 19 of the vehicle without being displaced relatively thereto.

The advantages resulting from the invention will have readily been observed from perusal of the above. Thus, it will be appreciated that transportation of the crane can be carried out by means of an ordinary commercial vehicle having a platform. A large portion of the weight of the assembly constituted by the crane and the ballast is then supported by the vehicle, which is thus loaded and can use all its tractive force, without having to carry an additional useless load. The transportation of the crane merely requires the purchase of a very simple lownstrength axle-tree, so that costs are very much reduced.

Finally, handling is very simple and rapid and does not require dismantling, division, reloading, etc., of the ballast, which operations are awkward, expensive and difficult to organize.

Modifications can be made to the embodiment described as regards equivalent technical means, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A transportable tower crane for rapid erection to be coupled to a tractor vehicle for transportation, comprising a stationary lower frame, stabilizing elements provided on said stationary lower frame, an upper rotating frame, slewing means provided between said rotating frame and said stationary frame, a mast, means for collapsing said mast on said rotating frame, a foldable jib, whereby said mast and said jib are horizontally positioned for transportation, a ballast, a frame on which said ballast is secured, pivoting means for connecting said ballast-carrying frame to said rotating frame for pivotal movement about a first vertical axis, coupling means connectable to said stationary lower frame for coupling said crane to said tractor vehicle and means for pivotally connecting said coupling means with said tractor vehicle about a second vertical axis, said second vertical axis being coincident with said first vertical axis.

2. A transportable tower crane according to claim 1, wherein said ballast-carrying frame has a triangular portion having an apex directed towards said rotating frame, said pivoting means connecting said apex of said triangular portion with said rotating frame and comprising tie rod means insertable between said ballastcarrying frame and said rotating frame for angularly immobilizing said ballast-carrying frame with respect to said rotating frame.

3. A transportable tower crane according to claim 1, wherein said coupling means has a triangular shape having an apex usable as an attachment point between said crane and said tractor vehicle, whereby said apex is located on said second vertical axis.

4. A transportable tower crane for rapid erection to be coupled to a tractor vehicle for transportation, comprising a sta tionary lower frame, stabilizing elements provided on said stationary lower frame, an upper rotating frame, slewing means provided between said rotating frame and said stationary frame, a mast, means for collapsing said mast on said rotating frame for transportation, :1 foldablejib, whereby said mast and said jib are horizontally positioned for transportation, a ballast, a frame on which said ballast is secured, said frame having a triangular portion defining an apex directed towards said rotating frame, pivoting means for connecting said apex of said ballast-carrying frame to said rotating frame for pivotal movement about a first vertical axis, tie rod means insertable between said ballast-carrying frame and said rotating frame for angularly immobilizing said frames with respect to each other, coupling means connectable to said stationary lower frame for coupling said crane to said tractor vehicle and means for pivotally connecting said coupling means with said tractor vehicle about a second vertical axis, said second vertical axis being coincident with said first vertical axis and said ballast resting on said tractor vehicle.

5. A transportable tower crane according to claim 4, wherein said coupling means has a triangular shape having an apex usable as an attachment point between said crane and said tractor vehicle, whereby said apex is located on said second vertical axis.

6. A transportable tower crane according to claim 4, comprising axle means fittable below the collapsed mast of the crane for transportation.

7. A transportable tower crane according to claim 4, comprising lifting means connected to said stationary lower frame for raising said lower frame and the attached parts of the crane for positioning said ballast on said tractor yehicle.

8. A transportable tower crane according to claim 4, comprising jacks provided on said stabilizing elements for raising said stationary lower frame and the attached parts of the crane for positioning said ballast on said tractor vehicle.

9. A transportable tower crane according to claim 4, comprising jack means provided on said stationary lower frame of the crane for raising said frame and the attached parts of the crane for positioning said ballast on said tractor vehicle.

10. In a transportable tower crane for rapid erection arranged to be coupled to a tractor vehicle for transportation, comprising a stationary lower frame, an upper rotating frame, slewing means provided between said rotating frame and said stationary frame, a collapsible mast, a foldable jib and a ballast; a frame on which said ballast is secured, pivoting means for connecting said ballast-carrying frame to said rotating frame for pivotal movement about a first vertical axis, coupling means connectable to said stationary lower frame for coupling said crane to said tractor vehicle and means for pivotally connecting said coupling means with said tractor vehicle about a second vertical axis, said second vertical axis being coincident with said first vertical axis. 

1. A transportable tower crane for rapid erection to be coupled to a tractor vehicle for transportation, comprising a stationary lower frame, stabilizing elements provided on said stationary lower frame, an upper rotating frame, slewing means provided between said rotating frame and said stationary frame, a mast, means for collapsing said mast on said rotating frame, a foldable jib, whereby said mast and said jib are horizontally positioned for transportation, a ballast, a frame on which said ballast is secured, pivoting means for connecting said ballast-carrying frame to said rotating frame for pivotal movement about a first vertical axis, coupling means connectable to said stationary lower frame for coupling said crane to said tractor vehicle and means for pivotally connecting said coupling means with said tractor vehicle about a second vertical axis, said second vertical axis being coincident with said first vertical axis.
 2. A transportable tower crane according to claim 1, wherein said ballast-carrying frame has a triangular portion having an apex directed towards said rotating frame, said pivoting means connecting said apex of said triangular portion with said rotating frame and comprising tie rod means insertable between said ballast-carrying frame and said rotating frame for angularly immobilizing said ballast-carrying frame with respect to said rotating frame.
 3. A transportable tower crane according to claim 1, wherein said coupling means has a triangular shape having an apex usable as an attachment point between said crane and said tractor vehicle, whereby said apex is located on said second vertical axis.
 4. A transportable tower crane for rapid erection to be coupled to a tractor vehicle for transportation, comprising a stationary lower frame, stabilizing elements provided on said stationary lower frame, an upper rotating frame, slewing means provided between said rotating frame and said stationary frame, a mast, means for collapsing said mast on said rotating frame for transportation, a foldable jib, whereby said mast and said jib are horizontally positioned for Transportation, a ballast, a frame on which said ballast is secured, said frame having a triangular portion defining an apex directed towards said rotating frame, pivoting means for connecting said apex of said ballast-carrying frame to said rotating frame for pivotal movement about a first vertical axis, tie rod means insertable between said ballast-carrying frame and said rotating frame for angularly immobilizing said frames with respect to each other, coupling means connectable to said stationary lower frame for coupling said crane to said tractor vehicle and means for pivotally connecting said coupling means with said tractor vehicle about a second vertical axis, said second vertical axis being coincident with said first vertical axis and said ballast resting on said tractor vehicle.
 5. A transportable tower crane according to claim 4, wherein said coupling means has a triangular shape having an apex usable as an attachment point between said crane and said tractor vehicle, whereby said apex is located on said second vertical axis.
 6. A transportable tower crane according to claim 4, comprising axle means fittable below the collapsed mast of the crane for transportation.
 7. A transportable tower crane according to claim 4, comprising lifting means connected to said stationary lower frame for raising said lower frame and the attached parts of the crane for positioning said ballast on said tractor vehicle.
 8. A transportable tower crane according to claim 4, comprising jacks provided on said stabilizing elements for raising said stationary lower frame and the attached parts of the crane for positioning said ballast on said tractor vehicle.
 9. A transportable tower crane according to claim 4, comprising jack means provided on said stationary lower frame of the crane for raising said frame and the attached parts of the crane for positioning said ballast on said tractor vehicle.
 10. In a transportable tower crane for rapid erection arranged to be coupled to a tractor vehicle for transportation, comprising a stationary lower frame, an upper rotating frame, slewing means provided between said rotating frame and said stationary frame, a collapsible mast, a foldable jib and a ballast; a frame on which said ballast is secured, pivoting means for connecting said ballast-carrying frame to said rotating frame for pivotal movement about a first vertical axis, coupling means connectable to said stationary lower frame for coupling said crane to said tractor vehicle and means for pivotally connecting said coupling means with said tractor vehicle about a second vertical axis, said second vertical axis being coincident with said first vertical axis. 